8 Places to Eat Al Fresco in Stockton, California
The perfect guide to outdoor dining at some of our favorite restaurants across the city.
Stockton is one place you can count on for ideal outdoor ambiance. Its mild climate keeps the evenings cool and comfortable, and the breeze off the water keeps the day from getting too hot. Plus, no matter the weather, there’s a patio to fit your mood and food to fit your taste buds and your budget.
Garlic Brothers Restaurant and Bar
If you are looking for epic views, delicious drinks, and the best sunsets in Stockton, Garlic Brothers is the place to be.
Situated on the banks of the California Delta, this local favorite features a colorful patio with plenty of umbrellas for shade. You'll find the restaurant off Benjamin Holt Drive at the Village West Marina and Resort. It is the perfect place to stop and eat while boating, or after a long day when you want to get away and enjoy a meal on the water. They serve fresh seafood dishes along with fantastic stone oven pizza. Favorite entrées include seasonal gumbo, baby back ribs with pesto, and The Addiction - crispy pork belly with a soft boiled egg, white rice, served with a spicy citrus dipping sauce.
Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar
There’s no missing Lincoln Center in Stockton; just look for the digital sign with the large “L” on it and you’re there. Papapavlo’s commands the same attention from within this shopping center, with a lovely patio and two-story building.
Since 1989, this restaurant has been serving traditional European food in Stockton with a Mediterranean twist. Expect hearty portions of steak, lamb and fish, as well as pastas, salads and sandwiches. They’ve also got weekly entrée specials that highlight what’s growing fresh locally.
Their pretty patio is well shaded and the perfect place to enjoy a fancy meal al fresco.
Squeeze Burger & Brew
Squeeze Burger & Brew is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious burger in a setting no fancier than your own backyard. Plus, they have good beer on tap—a lot of it.
TVs line the inside walls of the stone bar, with more than a dozen tap handles to choose from. And nothing goes with beer quite like burgers, which they’ve done up right here, with 100 percent fresh ground beef, locally baked buns, and their famous cheese skirts that drape over their burgers.
Midgley’s Public House
Also located in Lincoln Center, Midgley’s Public House is one of Stockton’s most beloved and well-known eateries with a patio, made famous by its owner, respected restaurateur and reality TV star, chef Michael Midgley. And if you're looking for an eatery that allows you to bring your pup to the patio, Midgley's is your place!
Specializing in small plates, meals to share, and general deliciousness, menu offerings are thoughtfully prepared and made with quality proteins like lobster, rack of lamb and a 48-ounce tomahawk ribeye you can swing around like a hammer.
Whatever you order, make sure to sit out on the patio this summer, where you can enjoy craft cocktails in the summer breeze, and showcase your meal for the world to see.
Valley Brewing Company
Valley Brewing Company is the oldest Stockton microbrewery. The building is unassuming, but a welcoming patio in front of the brewery covered with umbrellas and peppered with green plants is invitation you can't ignore.
The shady patio serves as both a neighborhood hangout and a shady retreat. The food and beer options at Valley Brew include delicious sandwiches and burgers, as well as the largest half-salads you've ever seen. Once the sun sets and the lights come on, you will have a hard time pulling yourself away.
Don Luis Mexican Restaurant
The newly expanded patio at Don Luis Mexican Restaurant is just one reason to make your way across town to this hidden gem. The large outdoor space has plenty of beautiful shade covers and lots fans to keep you cool during warmer days. The string lights and greenery merge with the wood beams to create a great atmosphere.
As amazing as you'll find the ambiance, you'll be overjoyed by the cuisine. Authentic Mexican dishes are served in generous portions and they are packed with flavor. Be sure to keep your phone nearby to capture photos of your signature michelada when it arrives to the table. This place is truly a feast for the senses.
Cast Iron Trading Co.
Cast Iron Trading Co. has created a neat outdoor bistro seating area in Budd Alley, right outside their front door in Downtown Stockton. Complete with hanging lights and a small stage for live music, this local favorite provides the perfect setting for a lovely outdoor meal.
Follow them through their social media for the latest on what they're cooking up and upcoming musical acts.
Need more recommendations on how to support our local businesses and restaurants throughout Stockton You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.
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